I grew up locally in Allentown and attended William Allen. I worked hard to excel, both in the classroom and on the football field as a wide receiver. My head coach in high school, Lester Kish, went to Lehigh and played quarterback. I was excited about the prospect of attending a high caliper academic university like Lehigh and playing football for a successful program that had a reputation for having a high powered offense that liked to throw the ball. Kim McQuilken and Bob Handshue, were both successful William Allen football players that went to Lehigh a few years before, and I looked up to both of them and looked forward to following in their footsteps. I knew that earning a degree from Lehigh would create good opportunities for me.

It was the thrill of a lifetime to be part of this very special team. The chemistry on this team was phenomenal. Our head coach was John Whitehead. Coach was extremely tough and demanding on all of us, but we also knew that he cared about us. He was driving to get our very best effort. Once the playoffs started, our team had the mindset that we were not going to lose. Our confidence level was off the charts. All three of our playoff games were held on the road. The University of Massachusetts on their turf in the rain, followed by the University of California-Davis in Sacramento, Calif., in the fog, then the championship game vs. Jacksonville State in "The Pioneer Bowl " at a neutral site in Wichita Falls, Texas. The last 2 games were nationally televised on ABC. The team developed a special bond that occurs when you face adversity together and come out on top.

What year were you (sophomore, junior, etc.) when you won the championship?

I was a senior and could not have scripted this storybook ending any better. I remember the feeling I had just after the game ended. I had just caught the last pass of my football career in the fourth quarter of our victory over Jacksonville State and was so excited about our victory and winning the national championship, but at the same time, I was overcome with sadness that this would be the last time I would play in a football game.

What was the support of the football team and Lehigh spirit like that year?

The support for the team was incredibly strong throughout the season and got even stronger during the playoffs. From the student body, to the administration, to the local community fan base, the support was overwhelming. The road games made it more difficult for our fan base to attend the games, but in spite of the travel required, many Lehigh fans were able to make it to the games. One fan, who made it to the championship game in Witchita Falls, Texas, is my older brother Don. In fact, Don has a team photo displayed of the 1977 championship team, at his restaurant called “Ringer's Roost” in Allentown, Pa. This team had a positive impact on the entire local community. It was a significant achievement for not only Lehigh University, but for Bethlehem and the entire Lehigh Valley region.

What is your current relationship with the members of that team? Are you still close, do you keep in touch, do you ever go to games or tailgate together?

I guess life happens and in spite of your good intentions, you lose touch with old teammates. I attended the reunion and recognition of the 1977 Championship team held this year during half time of the Fordham game at Goodman. Although many years had gone by since I had any contact with most my team mates and coaches, I felt like I had just seen them yesterday and it was so easy to rekindle relationships and share memories. It was easy to see, even today that all of us had our lives touched by this memorable accomplishment. Since I live locally, I make it a point to attend at least one home game per season. I often watch the televised games as well.

What was the best part of being a Lehigh football player?

Definitely not the summer camp or the day to day practice grind that goes along with playing football. I would have to say the best part is, knowing that as a Lehigh football player, you will always belong to an organization of excellence, a program that knows what it takes to be successful year after year. As a player, I always had a tremendous amount of respect for Coach Whitehead and the coaching staff. As I got older and wiser, I was better able to understand the lessons being imparted to us at the time. These lessons have helped me become a better person.

What happened in the Lehigh-Lafayette game that year?

Lehigh 35 - Lafayette 17 - Say no more.

Sum up your thoughts on the Rivalry.

If you only win one game the entire year, it has got to be this game. Its pretty cool to think about how long this rivalry has been going on. 147 Years! Wow! It does not take much effort to get lathered up to play in this game. This rivalry has such a huge positive impact on everyone in the Lehigh community.

What will you do for the Le-Laf game this year?

My wife Tara and I will be watching this year’s game on TV. I can't miss watching this one.

What would you want to say to the football players on their great season, with a sad ending, this year?

This year has been an awesome year for the team. It is always tough having a long winning streak come to an end. I would say to the players that they should all be proud of what they have accomplished this year, forget about the Colgate game, focus all your attention on preparing for Lafayette, win the game and hope that the season may continue with an at-large playoff bid. Lehigh fans are not fair weather fans and will continue to support them. Regardless of what happens next, this year's team will be well remembered, especially with all the close wins in the 4th quarter.

Anything else you would like to add?

I love Goodman Stadium and the name "Mountain Hawks." Coach [Andy] Coen and the staff are doing a fantastic job. Joe Sterrett and the Athletic Department are doing a great job in guiding Lehigh Athletics. Success in athletics is another means of marketing Lehigh and spreading the word about what a great of an institution we are. With no disrespect intended, I will always refer to myself as a Lehigh Engineer and will hold my memories of Taylor Field very close.